The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has allegedly arrested five Edo State government officials including the Accountant General of Edo State and others who are signatories to the state government accounts on Thursday.
Reports reveal that they are currently being held at the Benin office of the anti-graft agency after they were called in for briefing.
According to reports, sources who are aware of the arrest said: “With the arrest, government activities have been halted, as the state is unable to pay emoluments due to civil servants, pensions, and other public servants, throwing the state into chaos. Other statutory payments such as security bills and other obligations are also affected.”
The source disclosed that the EFCC plan to keep the arrested officials till November 12, on the day of the termination of the tenure of the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has advised Edo State’s incoming governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to avoid probing the administration of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Ganduje reportedly offered this advise during Okpebholo’s courtesy visit to the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday.
Ganduje encouraged Okpebholo to prioritize delivering good governance once he assumes office, suggesting a forward-focused approach.
“The ideals of democracy were upheld, the election was executed, and we are on the winning side. You should not focus on the previous administration. Look forward, don’t look back, and don’t waste your time fighting the person you took over from,” Ganduje remarked.
He emphasized that a “progressive government” does not dwell on the past but moves ahead.
He advised Okpebholo to adhere to the party’s manifesto and deliver the manifestos he presented to the people
